A million-selling computer game written by a world-class games developer in York is to reach a new generation of PDA, or personal digital assistant owners.

Broken Sword, Shadow of the Templars was created by Revolution Software in King Street, York, as the first of a series of three Broken Sword games which have, so far, netted about $100 million in shops worldwide.

Now, the first version is to reach an even broader audience thanks to an agreement between Revolution Software, and Astraware, which specialises in publishing games for PDAs.

Both organisations met through their involvement with Game Republic, a trade alliance formed to further excellence in video games development throughout the Yorkshire. Astraware, based in Cheshire, is an associate member.

The launch date has yet to be decided, but if it captures the imagination of PDA owners, then the remaining two in the series will also be given the new platform.

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars was originally available on Sony's PlayStation console and PC in 1996 and is still a chart-topper.

It is an adventure bringing the legend of the Knights Templar into a modern-day setting. The game's hero, American George Stobbart, is in Paris when he is caught up in an assassin's explosion. Investigating, he is drawn into a medieval-style conspiracy with terrible potential consequences.

Charles Cecil, managing director of Revolution Software, said: "It is a whole new market that is opening up very fast because millions of people own PDAs.

"The Broken Sword series appeals to women as well as men because it's an adventure which is cerebral, rather than being shoot 'em up 'twitch' game play."

Michael Crampton, general manager of Game Republic said the agreement will have "tremendous benefit, not just for Yorkshire, but games players the world over."

Updated: 11:11 Thursday, August 11, 2005